Tyler
Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM area defines the term "craft" as, the
creation, by an individual, of unique aesthetic forms intended to
serve the functional and utilitarian needs of the individuals of a
given society. The crafts are categorized by the materials used and
the functions performed by the objects. The faculty in this area
undertakes its mission by focusing instruction on the history of
object making and the techniques and materials that were developed
to meet the needs of society. Distinctions are drawn between the
mass produced commodities for a consumer society and the art object
for aesthetic experience. There are increasing numbers in our
society that require objects to help them express their own
individually, in both their surroundings, and apparel. The student
is guided to an understanding of this segment in our economy.
These goals are pursued through acquiring
traditional technical competencies in our well equipped studios. The
faculty are nationally acknowledged masters of their craft and are
therefore capable mentors for the next generation of crafts
producers. While firmly grounded in the craft traditions, we see our
research and teaching responsibilities as extending to the most
current technical innovations. The M/J/C-C Area is committed to |
adopting emerging
technologies to advance its discipline. We have established
leadership in the application of the computer to the production of
3-D objects. Graduate students and advanced undergraduates have
extensive opportunities to participate in this ongoing research.
This area acknowledges the desire of its students to develop an
understanding of the economics of craft production and marketing. To
this end, instruction in business practices have become an integral
part of the curriculum. The M/J/C-C Area assists its students in the
transition from student to producing craftsperson.
At the graduate level, students are encouraged
to develop personal vision. For the student whose goal is to teach a
craft at the college level, preparation is provided through seminar
discussions and assignments. Through application procedures,
developed by this area's faculty, qualified students are identified
for undergraduate teaching duties. These teaching assistants are
monitored and mentored by the senior full time faculty. It is in
this manner that the area prepares the next generation of
Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM artists, teachers, producers and researchers. |
